The SwitchBot devices can work over Wi-Fi when the Cloud Service is enabled. Let me explain how this works in more detail.
When you enable the Cloud Service for your SwitchBot Bluetooth devices, they will establish a Bluetooth connection with the SwitchBot Hub. The Hub acts as a bridge between the Bluetooth devices and the SwitchBot Cloud. The Hub communicates with the Cloud via a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network.
This setup allows you to control your SwitchBot devices remotely from anywhere as long as you have an internet connection. You can use the SwitchBot app on your smartphone or other devices to send commands to the Cloud, which will then be relayed to the Hub over Wi-Fi. The Hub will then communicate with the Bluetooth devices using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology.
One benefit of using Wi-Fi is that it provides a more stable and reliable connection compared to Bluetooth alone. Bluetooth has a limited range, typically up to 30 feet, and can be affected by obstacles such as walls or interference from other devices. Wi-Fi, on the other hand, has a longer range and can penetrate through walls, allowing you to control your SwitchBot devices from a greater distance.
Another advantage of using Wi-Fi is that it allows for remote access. With the Cloud Service enabled, you can control your SwitchBot devices even when you are not at home. This means you can turn on/off lights, fans, or any other appliances connected to the SwitchBot devices from anywhere using the SwitchBot app.
I have personally used the SwitchBot devices with the Cloud Service enabled, and I have found it to be very convenient. For example, I can turn on the air conditioner in my living room before I arrive home on a hot summer day, ensuring a comfortable environment when I get there. Similarly, I can schedule my lights to turn on/off at specific times, creating the illusion of someone being at home even when I’m away.
To summarize, the SwitchBot devices can work over Wi-Fi when the Cloud Service is enabled. The SwitchBot Hub acts as a bridge between the Bluetooth devices and the SwitchBot Cloud, communicating over a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network. This setup provides a more reliable connection, longer range, and remote access to control your SwitchBot devices from anywhere.